Short answer: paint a clear RC car body from the inside with polycarbonate-safe paint. Wash the shell, test-fit it, mask the windows and design, spray several light coats, let it dry, peel the overspray film, then apply decals on the outside. Do not use regular hard-plastic model paint on a Lexan body unless the paint maker says it is for polycarbonate.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you use one of the Amazon links on this page, RC Tech Tips may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. The right supplies still depend on your body material, scale, color plan, and fitment.
What Paint Should You Use On An RC Car Body?
Use paint made for polycarbonate when you are painting a clear Lexan-style RC body. Polycarbonate paint flexes with the body better than normal hard-plastic model paint. Tamiya’s PS line and other RC body paints are the safer category to shop first.
If your body is hard plastic instead of clear polycarbonate, stop and check the body maker’s instructions. The paint system can be different.
Paint And Prep Supplies To Verify
| Supply | Best for | Verify before buying | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate spray paint | Clear Lexan RC bodies | PS/polycarbonate wording and color | It is hard-plastic or craft paint |
| RC body paint alternative | Another RC-specific paint option | Polycarbonate body-paint use | It is thinner, reducer, or cleaner only |
| Curved scissors and reamer | Trimming wheel arches and body-post holes | Curved scissors, reamer, and usable sizes | You already own proper body tools |
| Masking tape | Windows, stripes, and simple two-color designs | Width and bend radius | You need pre-cut masks for a complex shell |
| Clear 1/10 short-course body | Painting a replacement SCT shell | Wheelbase, width, body-post fit, and scale | You have not checked your chassis dimensions |
RC body paint and prep supplies
Tamiya PS polycarbonate paint
Best for: clear Lexan/polycarbonate RC bodies
Avoid if: hard plastic models or readers who need a different color
Verify PS/polycarbonate paint type and color before buying.
Buy on AmazonPro-Line RC body paint
Best for: drivers who want another RC body paint option
Avoid if: readers buying reducer cleaner or non-body paint
Verify exact paint type and color before buying.
Buy on AmazonRC body scissors and reamer kit
Best for: new body painters trimming a clear shell
Avoid if: readers who already have curved scissors and a body reamer
Verify tool contents and quality before buying.
Buy on AmazonTamiya masking tape
Best for: window masks, stripes, and clean paint lines
Avoid if: large curved designs that need wider or flexible masking
Verify tape width and whether extra masking is needed.
Buy on AmazonClear short-course body shell
Best for: readers painting a compatible 1/10 short-course truck body
Avoid if: readers who have not checked wheelbase width and body-post fit
Verify wheelbase width mount locations and vehicle fit before buying.
Buy on AmazonHow To Paint The Body From The Inside
- Test-fit the clear body before paint. Mark body-post holes and tire-clearance areas.
- Wash the inside with mild dish soap and water, then dry it completely.
- Apply window masks and masking tape from the inside of the shell.
- Shake the paint well and spray light coats from the inside. Do not try to cover everything in one heavy coat.
- Let coats flash off between passes. Back bright or light colors if the paint maker recommends it.
- Let the body dry, peel the outer overspray film, then apply decals on the outside.
Common Painting Mistakes To Avoid
- Using regular hard-plastic paint on a flexible polycarbonate body.
- Painting the outside of a clear body instead of the inside.
- Skipping the wash step and trapping mold-release residue under the paint.
- Cutting body-post holes after paint without supporting the shell.
- Buying a body shell before checking wheelbase, width, and body-post locations.
What To Check Before Buying A Clear Body
Match the body to the vehicle, not just the scale printed in the listing. For a short-course truck, check wheelbase, body width, front and rear overhang, body-post locations, tire clearance, and whether the body is clear or already painted.
If this is your first hobby-grade RC project, the beginner RC car guide can help with basic platform terms before you buy replacement parts.
FAQ
Do you paint the inside or outside of an RC car body?
Most clear polycarbonate RC bodies are painted on the inside. The outer film protects the shell from overspray and comes off after the paint dries.
Can I use regular spray paint on a Lexan RC body?
Do not use regular spray paint unless the paint maker says it is safe for polycarbonate. Lexan-style bodies flex, so RC polycarbonate paint is the safer choice.
Should I scuff a clear RC body before painting?
For most clear RC bodies, washing and using the correct polycarbonate paint matters more than scuffing. Follow the body and paint maker’s instructions before sanding or scuffing.
Sources Checked
- Traxxas RC body painting guide
- Tamiya and Pro-Line product category wording for polycarbonate/RC body paint.
